Oxford hospitals' new e-book reveals the front line stories from a year like no other.
The e-book, 'stories from the COVID pandemic – #OneTeamOneOUH' was launched in April. The online book tells stories from the pandemic exploring the timeline of events through photography and individual experiences.
Each chapter delves into the vital roles played during the pandemic from medical students to vaccine researchers and staff on the Covid ward. The book also profiles teams such as HR and the linen team, which the public and even some hospital staff may not be aware of. These workers are not always visible because as they work ‘behind the front line’.
Ward Sister Jemimah Lawan shared her story of working on the Covid ward and the responsibility and emotional strain that her team helped her through. She said: “With support from the Matron, and a courageous fantastic team on my side, we were more than determined to see the year 2020 through.”
The book also highlights the invaluable support of the wider community in Oxfordshire for NHS staff throughout the Covid-19 pandemic from volunteer teams.
Read also: Covid-19 vaccine rollout extends to people aged 38 and 39 from tomorrow
The project was made possible with the generous support of Oxford Hospitals Charity.
Dr Bruno Holthof, chief executive officer of Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a time of unprecedented challenges for all of us, both professionally and personally, and one of the ways in which we can make sense of these experiences is by telling our stories, to share how we feel, and to talk about what we did as individuals and in our teams.
“And so the idea for this e-book was born as an opportunity for everyone to share their reflections on our OneTeamOneOUH response to Covid-19 – we invited all staff to submit their contributions for inclusion in order to truly reflect the experiences of our people. I would like to thank all staff who took the time and trouble to share their personal stories which you can read in our e-book.”
He added: “Our collective strength throughout the Covid-19 pandemic has been in our shared sense of purpose which has enabled us to pull together during the darkest times.”
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